Instructional Strategies: Constructivist Learning

Theory-Based Instructional Strategies

Constructivist Learning

• Emphasizes learner-centered approach
• Learners construct their own knowledge and meaning
• Focus on active learning, exploration, and discovery
• Teacher acts as a facilitator or coach
• Learning is an active process of constructing knowledge rather than receiving information
• Key concepts:
  • Prior knowledge and experiences influence learning
  • Learning is a social and cultural process
  • Emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and reflection

Social Cognitive Theory

• Learning is a result of observing and imitating others
• People learn new behaviors and attitudes by observing and imitating others
• Observational learning, modeling, and reinforcement are key concepts
• Learning is a dynamic process involving reciprocal interactions between the learner, environment, and behavior
• Key concepts:
  • Observational learning: learning by observing others
  • Modeling: learning by imitating others
  • Reinforcement: consequences of behavior influence learning

Behavioral Learning Theory

• Focus on observable behaviors and environmental factors
• Learning is a result of associations between stimuli and responses
• Key concepts:
  • Classical conditioning: associative learning through pairing stimuli
  • Operant conditioning: learning through consequences of behavior
  • Reinforcement, punishment, and extinction shape behavior

Cognitive Learning Theory

• Emphasizes mental processes and internal cognitive structures
• Learning is an active process of information processing and storage
• Key concepts:
  • Information processing: encoding, storage, and retrieval of information
  • Cognitive structures: mental frameworks and schemas influence learning
  • Metacognition: thinking about one's own thinking and learning

Theory-Based Instructional Strategies

Constructivist Learning

• Learner-centered approach emphasizes active learning, exploration, and discovery
• Learners construct their own knowledge and meaning through experience and social interaction
• Teacher acts as a facilitator or coach, guiding learners in exploring and discovering concepts
• Prior knowledge and experiences influence learning, making it a unique and individualized process
• Learning is a social and cultural process that emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and reflection

Social Cognitive Theory

• Observing and imitating others leads to learning new behaviors and attitudes
• Reciprocal interactions between learner, environment, and behavior shape the learning process
• Key concepts include observational learning, modeling, and reinforcement
• Observational learning occurs through observing others, while modeling involves imitating their behavior
• Consequences of behavior, such as reinforcement, influence learning and future behavior

Behavioral Learning Theory

• Focuses on observable behaviors and environmental factors that influence learning
• Associations between stimuli and responses shape behavior
• Classical conditioning involves associative learning through pairing stimuli
• Operant conditioning involves learning through consequences of behavior
• Reinforcement, punishment, and extinction are key concepts that shape behavior

Cognitive Learning Theory

• Emphasizes mental processes and internal cognitive structures that influence learning
• Information processing involves encoding, storage, and retrieval of information
• Cognitive structures, such as mental frameworks and schemas, impact learning and retention
• Metacognition involves thinking about one's own thinking and learning, promoting self-awareness and reflection